An open bite can affect more than just the way your smile looks—it can also make eating and speaking harder.1 This type of malocclusion, or misalignment, happens when your teeth don’t come together properly while your mouth is closed.1 Whether this is the result of habits like thumb sucking, jaw growth issues, or another reason, an open bite can lead to discomfort and long-term health concerns if left untreated.1 In this guide, we’ll explain what an open bite is, what causes it, and the different treatment options available to help you get the smile you want.
What is an open bite?
An open bite is a type of malocclusion, which means that your teeth don’t line up the way they should when your jaws are closed.1
Types of open bites
There are two main types of open bites that affect different areas of your mouth. Understanding the difference between anterior and posterior open bites can help you figure out which one you might be dealing with.
Anterior open bite:1 This condition happens when your upper and lower front teeth don’t touch, even when you bite down fully. This leaves a noticeable gap between the top and bottom teeth in the front of your mouth.
Posterior open bite:1 This condition affects the back of your mouth. In this case, your molars and premolars don’t meet when your front teeth close together, leaving a space between the upper and lower back teeth.
Open bite causes
There are a few different reasons an open bite can develop, and they often depend on your personal habits or the way your jaw grows.
Thumb or pacifier sucking:1 Prolonged sucking on your thumb or a pacifier can put strain on the alignment of your teeth, leading to an open bite, especially if the habit continues throughout childhood.
Tongue thrusting:1 If your tongue pushes between your upper and lower front teeth when you talk or swallow, it can create gaps that may lead to developing an open bite over time.
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ):1 Some people with TMJ may push their tongue between their teeth to reposition their jaw comfortably, which can cause an open bite to form.
Skeletal issues with jaw growth:1 In some cases, the problem comes from the way your jaw develops. If your upper and lower jaws grow apart instead of parallel, it can result in an open bite, which is often influenced by genetics.
Diagnosing an open bite
Diagnosing an open bite can be tricky because there are many different factors that can cause the condition, and finding the root issue is key. Treating an open bite can also be challenging, as the condition has a high chance of returning after treatment.2 To get the best, long-lasting results, a team approach may be necessary.2 This could include orthodontists, surgeons, and even speech therapists working together2 to fix the open bite and keep your smile looking great.
Health risks of leaving an open bite untreated
If an open bite isn’t treated, it can lead to several health issues that can impact your everyday life. Here are some of the main risks associated with leaving an open bite untreated:
Difficulty chewing food:1 An open bite can make it harder to break down the food you eat, which may negatively affect your nutrition.
Damage and wear to back teeth:1 Misalignment can cause unnecessary stress on your back teeth, leading to long-term dental problems like damage and uneven wear.
Problems biting down:1 You might struggle to bite down properly, which can be frustrating and uncomfortable while eating or speaking.
Speech difficulties:1 An open bite can contribute to challenges in speaking clearly, affecting communication.
Decreased self-esteem:1 The combination of these issues may lead to feelings of self-consciousness about your smile.
Open bite treatment options
Fortunately, there are several treatment options available for those dealing with an open bite. The right choice often depends on the specific causes and severity of the condition. Here are some common treatment options to consider:
Behavior modification:1 This may involve changing habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting to improve alignment.
Metal braces:1 Traditional braces can help shift your teeth and jaw into the correct position, closing the gap caused by an open bite.
Invisalign® aligners: Clear aligners like Invisalign aligners can effectively address an open bite3 while going unnoticed.
Surgery:1 In some rare, severe open bite cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to properly align the jaw and teeth.
How much does open bite treatment cost?
Understanding the costs associated with treating an open bite can help you plan ahead. The expenses can vary widely depending on the type of treatment and your insurance coverage. Here’s a breakdown of the average costs for different open bite treatment options:
It's important to talk to a professional to get an accurate quote for the actual cost of your open bite treatment.
Talk to your orthodontist
Interested in learning more about how to treat your open bite? Think Invisalign aligners might be the right choice for you? If so, the next step is to reach out to your orthodontist to schedule a consultation. They can assess your specific situation and help you create a personalized treatment plan to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
Don’t have an orthodontist? Try the Invisalign Doctor Locator to find a provider near you.